A HUNGRY family are in need of a Christmas dinner – not with turkey and all the trimmings but plenty of bamboo.

Staff at Drusillas Park are appealing to local gardeners to donate any fresh bamboo they can spare to help feed their family of four red pandas this Christmas.

Keeping the hungry pandas satisfied with enough roots and shoots is an ongoing battle for the popular zoo in Alfriston, with each panda consuming up to 2kg a day.

Sue Woodgate said: “The babies are now six months old and are out and about.

“They’re nearly the same size as their parents, Mulan and Tibao, and can eat just as much.

“Most bamboo is good as long as it’s tall, fresh and has healthy plants, although black bamboo is their favourite.”

Anyone who can help should call 01323 874100.